Local Anxiety Coach | How to overcome Driving Anxiety?
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This advice from a Local anxiety coach to a 21 year old gives hints about how to overcome Driving Anxiety?
Question: I’m 21 and i don’t have my drivers license, I have temps thats expire jan. 17th 08…
I don’t have much time left…. but I need to overcome my driving anxiety, which has been holding me back from getting my drivers license and has killed my social life.
my dad tries to teach me some tips and skill ..but he’s a real busy dude…
my sister seems to think i need some real professional driving coaches..so she wants me to go to this expensive driving school, where all the instructors are retired police and they go above and beyond to teach good driving skills…only problem is the school is way out there and i would have to catch the bus there..they won’t be able to pick me up from my house ..and its 500$ dollars..
I’m leaning toward cheaper schools…
I want to just go ahead and take the test, but i think i will catch a panic attack and fail the test for the 2nd time…
anyone have any advice for me?
Local anxiety coach answer:
1. Pinpoint what is causing your anxiety. Are you new to driving? Were you recently in a car accident? Do you simply not trust your driving skills? Once you have figured out the root of your worry, seek help that can help your way of thinking. If it’s emotional scars, consider getting help from a therapist.
2. Get in your car and get comfortable. Adjust the seat, mirrors and anything else that may make you uneasy. Being comfortable is very important in overcoming the fear of driving. Once you are relaxed behind the wheel, even if the car is off, that’s a step in the right direction.
3. Ask a friend to join you in your car. With a friend in the car, they can help you relax even further. Anything you can do to cut the tension is good when overcoming the fear of driving.
4. Turn down any music. Loud music can be a distraction when driving. Until you are comfortable behind the wheel again, keep the volume down. If you prefer listening to music, listen to music that makes you feel peaceful.
5. Take small steps. The first time you get in the car, just drive around the block. Next time, you can drive a few miles and then return. Build up your endurance as you feel more comfortable. Take your time and don’t force yourself to drive far until you are totally relaxed behind the wheel.
6. Get instruction from a professional driving school, if you can’t overcome your fears on your own. Many driving schools specialize in working with fearful drivers.
Its in your best interest to adhere to the advice of the local anxiety coach on how to overcome driving anxiety.
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The cheapest, most fun thing to do is get an old junker that still runs pretty good and go play in an empty parking lot. Do all the things you're not supposed to do out on the roads. It's even better if the parking lot is wet or covered in snow. You can learn more in one hour of driving on a snow covered parking lot than an instructor could ever teach you. Or maybe get someone to let you use their car for a little while.
References :
The only cure is more practice, I think. I used to HATE to drive and would go to almost any lengths to avoid it. I managed to pass my test and get a license, but then I never wanted to drive and I'd get all panicky when I would have to, etc. Then, I signed up for a nightschool class - my boyfriend said he'd pick me up from it, etc. But, after we broke up, he wouldn't pick me up anymore and no one else in my family could, either, so I HAD to drive. At first, I cussed under my breath the whole time and was ornery and stressed and considered dropping out so I wouldn't have to do it, etc. But then, the more I did it, the less it bothered me, until finally, I was like, "Oh, drive home at night in the dark? No biggie!" Now, although I can't say I "love" to drive, it certainly doesn't bother me when I have to. And I think the only way you can ever get to that point is just to do it, do it, do it.
P.S. Psychiatrists call this "immersion therapy."
Hope this helps. Good luck!
References :
1. Pinpoint what is causing your anxiety. Are you new to driving? Were you recently in a car accident? Do you simply not trust your driving skills? Once you have figured out the root of your worry, seek help that can help your way of thinking. If it's emotional scars, consider getting help from a therapist.
2. Get in your car and get comfortable. Adjust the seat, mirrors and anything else that may make you uneasy. Being comfortable is very important in overcoming the fear of driving. Once you are relaxed behind the wheel, even if the car is off, that's a step in the right direction.
3. Ask a friend to join you in your car. With a friend in the car, they can help you relax even further. Anything you can do to cut the tension is good when overcoming the fear of driving.
4. Turn down any music. Loud music can be a distraction when driving. Until you are comfortable behind the wheel again, keep the volume down. If you prefer listening to music, listen to music that makes you feel peaceful.
5. Take small steps. The first time you get in the car, just drive around the block. Next time, you can drive a few miles and then return. Build up your endurance as you feel more comfortable. Take your time and don't force yourself to drive far until you are totally relaxed behind the wheel.
6. Get instruction from a professional driving school, if you can't overcome your fears on your own. Many driving schools specialize in working with fearful drivers.
References :
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